Boxing Day is observed on Dec. 26 as a national holiday in Britain, Australia, Canada and New Zealand.

Boxing Day dates back more than 800 years. Traditionally, it is the day when each church opens its alms box and distributes the contributions to the poor.

In later years, servants were required to work on Christmas Day, but were excused from working on the following day. So employees typically gave their servants Christmas boxes on the 26th -- Boxing Day. Today, it remains customary to present Christmas gratuities on the 26th.

*DISCLAIMER*: The information contained in or provided through this site section is intended for general consumer understanding and education only and is not intended to be and is not a substitute for professional advice. Use of this site section and any information contained on or provided through this site section is at your own risk and any information contained on or provided through this site section is provided on an "as is" basis without any representations or warranties.